Terriers

The Kerry Blue. Another courageous terrier from Ireland is the Kerry Blue. Kerry Blues have the typical terrier's attitude to life, being brave, independent dogs with the ability to enjoy every situation to the full. The Kerry Blue is a Jack of all trades: he goes to earth, trails, hunts, and retrieves. In the hills of his County Kerry home he still herds sheep and drives cattle. The English have used him successfully in police work. But in the first place he is a good companion and has a particularly deep devotion for his master.

His coat should be plentiful, soft and wavy. Any colour of blue is acceptable, but this colour does not show until the animal is about eighteen months of age, puppies being born black. The coat needs considerable trimming with scissors, but Kerry Blues have the advantage of single rather than double coat, which means that considerably less hair is shed around the house. The head is long, and flat over the skull. Jaw very strong. The body is of moderate length, with straight strong back; loins broad and powerful; hindquarters strong and muscular, with powerful thighs; front legs straight, with plenty of bone.

The Lakeland Terrier. Originally a working Terrier, which meant that it was a fearless hunter of foxes and badgers in England, the bewhiskered and debonair Lakeland has lost some of its popularity in recent years. This is hard to explain, for the dog has vast charm, is loyal and dependable guardian, and can be gay and entertaining. It is only 13 inches in height, and has a double coat - hard and wiry on the outside, soft underneath. Colours range from black to wheaten. Tail carried gaily, and not docked too short.